'C' is for...

There are many C-words relating to the problem of climate change and its possible solutions: carbon trading, carbon sequestration - and now corn-based biofuels, according to George W. Bush (3 February, p 15). The C-word missing from everyone's lips is the one that matters: capitalism.

By its nature, capitalism needs continually to expand - to find new markets, new resources and new ways to accumulate to maintain profit for its investments. It cannot, therefore, offer a sustainable future.

The only country that has achieved a sustainable economy is Cuba (see the WWF's Living Planet Report 2006, p 19 - based on data Cuba supplies to the United Nations). Cuba would be perceived, at least in western nations, as having a relatively low standard of living: it is clear that an extraordinarily large change in our way of life is necessary to achieve a sustainable future.

Maybe that is why another ...

To continue reading this article, subscribe to receive access to all of newscientist.com, including 20 years of archive content.

To continue reading this article, log in or subscribe to New Scientist

App + web

Web

Smartphone

Tablet

$25.99 - Save 65%

12 issues for $2.17 per issue

with continuous service

Print + web

Print

Web

$28.99 - Save 61%

12 issues for $2.42 per issue

with continuous service

Print + app + web

Print

Web

Smartphone

Tablet

$39.99 - Save 73%

12 issues for $3.33 per issue

with continuous service

Web

Web only

$49.99

30 day web pass

Prices may vary according to delivery country and associated local taxes.